Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial disease that is transmitted by the bite of a deer tick. Proper removal of a tick from the skin within 48 hours of being bitten can reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Within 1 to 2 weeks after being infected, a bullseye rash can develop at the tick bite site accompanied by fever, headache, and muscle or joint pain. Some people may have Lyme disease and not have any early symptoms. However, others can have a fever and other "flu-like" symptoms without a rash. View more information on lyme disease.

If you are concerned you may have been exposed to a tick-borne disease, consult your personal physician.

Preventing Lyme Disease
The best way to prevent lyme disease, and any tick borne disease, is to use personal protection measures and avoid ticks. Read more information on how you can protect yourself from ticks or download a lyme disease prevention fact sheet (PDF).

If you are concerned about your health, testing ticks for disease is not recommended, because even if the tick is carrying a disease, you may not have been infected. If you would like to have a tick tested, however, the Cape May County Department of Health can assist you.